Barbecue is perhaps the perfect hearty summer food. It just tastes better when enjoyed in glorious weather. But let’s be real, it’s always barbecue season in Houston. Central Texas-style barbecue is well-loved (and frequently imitated) across the country. From roadside shacks to generations-old barbecue establishments to Food Network-famous joints, there’s no shortage of delectable barbecue spots in Houston. We’ve gathered our picks for the 11 must-try barbecue spots in Houston, perfect for all meat-lovers and barbecue connoisseurs young and old.
See Also: The 7 Best Frozen Summer Cocktails In Houston
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5425 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire / Website
This unique and popular barbecue joint serves a mean Texas Trinity and features a menu inspired by the owners and pitmasters’ Chinese and Vietnamese heritage. Pitmaster Quy Hoang has been nominated for a James Beard award and the community is obsessed with the joint’s gochujang glazed pork ribs, smoked turkey banh mi, thit nuong pork belly, brisket burnt end steamed buns, and green curry boudin balls, among other delectable choices. Be sure to save room for side dishes like brisket fried rice, jalapeño creamed corn, kale strawberry salad, and the jalapeño coleslaw. Keep up with their Instagram page to find out about daily specials. Customers are served on a first-come, first-served basis, or order 48 hours in advance for a guaranteed easy, delicious takeout barbecue meal. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
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8307 De Priest Street / Website
Burns Original BBQ was a favorite of the late great chef Anthony Bourdain. Need we say more? The joint started in 1973 and has grown into a Houston institution. Pitmaster Roy Burns Sr. crafted his own barbecue rubs and sauces that gave his barbecue the irresistible, unique flavor. Today, the menu uses the same rubs and sauces and features brisket, ribs, burnt ends, chicken links, beef, and chicken, all of which can be enjoyed as a sandwich or by themselves. Tasty sides include mac and cheese, dirty rice, green beans, boudin, beans, and potato salad. Online orders can be placed here.
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1201 Oliver Street / Website
Dig into decadent Tennessee-style barbecue at this must-try joint. It’s located in the artsy neighborhood of Sawyer Yards making it a great spot to enjoy after a day of exploring the Instagram-worthy district. The husband-and-wife-run joint is unique because its food is hickory smoked and its menu features flavorful meats, as well as vegetarian and vegan options like barbecue cauliflower and chickpea salad. The menu’s proteins include pulled pork, rib tips, brisket, sausage, ribs, and pulled chicken. Indulge in the loaded baked potato for the ultimate drool-worthy and hearty meal. Save room for the “Adults Only” rum cake to finish off a truly tasty meal. Closed Sundays. Order ahead for guaranteed takeout.
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Multiple Locations / Website
Houston culinary fixtures and married couple Erin Smith (a 2016 Chopped winner) and Patrick Feges have had Feges BBQ open for just over four years and the joint is already a favorite among the community. The duo distinguishes itself by creating modern takes on well-loved barbecue dishes and flavors. The menu features inventive meals using the joint’s barbecued meats, like the Feges bowl, the Cracklin Nachos, and the charred Caesar salad. Decadent sides include loaded mashed potatoes, hog fat cornbread, charred coleslaw, charro beans, spicy Korean braised greens, Moroccan spiced carrots, and southern-style Panzanella. In addition to tasty bites, there’s a lengthy list of wine, beer, and cocktails available for pairing. Walk-ins are always welcome or place an online takeout order here. Closed on Mondays.
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3510 Ella Blvd. / Website
This family-owned restaurant’s motto is “where love is the secret ingredient,” so it's needless to say their famous smoked ribs are to die for. The menu features baby back, St. Louis-style, and oversized beefy ribs, all prepared by executive chef Michelle Wallace who has competed on Food Network’s BBQ Brawl. Other expertly smoked meats include brisket, sausage, chicken, pork, and turkey, all of which can be loaded onto heaping baked potatoes and sandwiches. Must-try sides include Dirty Rice, fried okra, smoked corn, and mac and cheese. Walk-ins are welcome or order takeout online and pick it up in their self-serve Yummy Box lockers. Closed on Sundays.
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9823 Harlem Road, Richmond / Website
Guarded by a bronze horse, this restaurant is a community favorite, and for good reason. The joint makes its own sausages and slow-smokes the brisket and pork using vintage oak from repurposed wine barrels. The memory of the wine soaks into the meats as they’re roasting to give them a uniquely delicious flavor. Head chef Ara Malekian trained in Switzerland and polished his craft as a chef with celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. The menu at Harlem Road Texas BBQ is concise but loaded with only the best meats like beef brisket, beef ribs, pork ribs, pulled pork, sausage, chipotle sausage, and chicken. Come early if you’re determined to snag a meal here, they serve on a first-come-first-served basis. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
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2201 Leeland Street / Website
This large restaurant is relatively new to the Houston barbecue scene but has quickly gathered quite a few devoted fans. The craft barbecue menu features Central Texas-style brisket, homemade sausage, pork spare ribs, pulled pork, turkey, and jalapeño cheddar sausages. In addition to a delectable barbecue spread, there is an expansive patio and beer garden serving up perfect pairings. Save room for dessert including decadent banana pudding, a giant cinnamon roll, peach cobbler, and chocolate ganache pie. The joint frequently has live music, so check their Instagram and website for updates on the full lineup. Walk-ins are welcome. Closed on Mondays.
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Pop-up events only / Website
Enjoy tasty barbecue with a Vietnamese flair from this community-favorite pop-up. Brothers Don and Theo Nguyen started the joint as an ode to the Texas-Vietnamese cuisine their mom would make them during their childhood. The unique flavor combos fill their ever-evolving menu. Co-pitmaster Don has competed in the Food Network’s BBQ Brawl. Keep up with the joint’s Instagram and website to find out more about future pop-up events.
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220 N Elm Street, Tomball / Website
Barbecue and chocolate? Is this a dream? Lucky for you, Tejas Chocolate & BBQ serves both in a casual, comfortable setting. The cafe first started as a place to sell the owners’ homemade, premium “bean-to-bar” chocolates and soon transitioned to offering Texas-style barbecue as well. Enjoy daily specials like barbacoa taco Tuesdays, house-smoked pastrami Reuben Thursdays, and beef ribs and burnt ends Fridays and Saturdays. Follow along with their Instagram for daily drool-worthy content and to find out about their specials. Walk-ins are always welcome or order takeout online. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
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110 S Heights Blvd. / Website
This award-winning barbecue joint started as a small shack on the side of the highway in 2015 and quickly garnered an army of followers. Chef Leonard Botello IV strives for absolute perfection with each batch of barbecue so everything at the joint is made daily, in-house. Truth Barbecue travels the country appearing at food festivals and Botello has competed (and won) in Food Network’s Chopped. The menu at Truth features Central Texas-style brisket, smoked turkey breast, smoked pork ribs, pulled pork, brisket boudin, and a variety of tasty sausages. Tater tot casserole, potato salad, mac and cheese, banana caramel cake, and banana pudding are just a few of the delicious menu items that are sure to make your mouth water. Walk-ins are welcome though meals sell out quickly so place an order in advance using their website to ensure you snag a taste of Truth Barbecue. Closed on Mondays.
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1201 Richmond Ave. / Website
Head to The Pit Room for loaded, Instagram-worthy breakfast tacos in the morning and freshly smoked barbecue and sides until the sun sets. The menu features brisket, beef and pork ribs, pulled pork, turkey, chicken, and a tasty variety of sausages. The Pit Room prides itself on using the highest quality meats available. Enjoy the succulent proteins on a sandwich, in a taco, or by itself. Walk-ins are welcome and the joint is open seven days a week. Advanced bulk meal orders can be placed here.
Photography by: Oscar Salgado / Unsplash
